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The Story of Saiunkoku Series

This series unfolds in an exotic world inspired by ancient China, following the rise of a young woman who becomes the first female imperial examiner in the land. She must navigate courtly intrigue, political struggles, and societal expectations to prove her worth. It's a tale of courage, determination, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated world. Readers will be captivated by its richly detailed setting and a compellingly strong female lead.

The Story of Saiunkoku 3
The Story of Saiunkoku 1
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 4
The Story of Saiunkoku 2

Recommended Reading Order

  1. 1

    The Story of Saiunkoku 1

    4.2(3272)Add rating

    A period fantasy in which a palace consort must guide a feckless emporer to assume the throne. Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern. Shurei enters the palace as Ryuki's consort, but he has yet to seek her out. It is rumored that men, not women, share the emperor's bedchamber. Shurei must think of a way to stop the emperor from shirking his responsibilities, but she has to find him first!

    The Story of Saiunkoku 1
  2. 2

    The Story of Saiunkoku 2

    • 155 pages
    • 6 hours of reading
    4.3(877)Add rating

    A period fantasy in which a palace consort must guide a feckless emporer to assume the throne. Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern. After realizing Ryuki has been faking his ignorance, an enraged Shurei demands to be sent home immediately. Ryuki then locks Shurei in her room, unaware he has now put his consort in great danger...

    The Story of Saiunkoku 2
  3. 3

    The Story of Saiunkoku 3

    4.2(593)Add rating

    A period fantasy in which a palace consort must guide a feckless emporer to assume the throne. Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern. Shurei has returned to her normal life at home, but once more the palace finds itself in need. She is asked to work as an assistant in the Ministry of the Treasury, but as women aren't allowed in, Shurei must pretend to be a boy!

    The Story of Saiunkoku 3
  4. 4

    The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 4

    4.2(480)Add rating

    A period fantasy in which a palace consort must guide a feckless emporer to assume the throne. Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern. Shurei has been disguising herself as a boy to assist Kijin Ko, the esteemed Minister of the Treasury. Despite Ryuki’s plan to allow females to take the civil service exam, many remain opposed to the idea, including Kijin. Will Shurei be able to convince the discerning minister to change his mind?

    The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 4